Germany’s QIU Dang and Nina MITTELHAM clinched the gold medal in the Mixed Doubles Event at the 2023 European Games in Krakow securing their ticket for the European Games in Paris 2024 as well. They emerged victorious in the final against Nandor ECSEKI and Dora MADARASZ of Hungary. The bronze medal was won by Ovidiu IONESCU and Bernadette SZOCS of Romania.
“Before the tournament we had already set our sights on winning but we knew it wouldn’t be easy because there are many strong opponents in the competition. The fact that we managed to achieve it in the end is simply amazing. I am overjoyed ” said Nina.
Speaking about the final match QIU stated “In a final like this it’s all about the closely contested games. We both understand the importance of every game every point. We were leading 7-5 in the first game then it was 7-9 against us but we managed to win it by nine points. In the last set we were ahead for most of the time. However we suddenly faced two set points against us. In the end it’s the small details that make the difference in determining whether you secure an Olympic ticket or not. Unfortunately sports can be brutal in that regard.”
Nandor ECSEKI and Dora MADARASZ expressed their disappointment after their defeat in the final match.
“Of course we are disappointed that we missed out on the first ticket to Paris. Our adversaries in the final were superior to us playing at another level so there isn’t much to say about the result. However we still have one more year to qualify for Paris 2024 and we are very confident that we will achieve it.
“We have managed to defeat some strong opponents throughout the tournament which shows that our hard work is paying off and we can see the progress we’ve made. We will continue to work hard and strive for success in the future ” said ECSEKI and MADARASZ.
In the match for the third position the Romanian pair of IONESCU and SZOCS who had previously won a silver medal in Minsk 2019 dominated the competition. Unlike the previous day when they lost to ECSEKI and MADARASZ without winning a set IONESCU and SZOCS were in complete control. Alvaro Robles and Maria XIAO managed to win only one game.
“We had a strong desire to win this bronze medal and we are incredibly happy to have achieved it especially after yesterday’s loss. Although it’s not a gold medal being on the medal podium is a great accomplishment. We had good tactical preparation and communicated effectively between points to motivate and support each other towards victory. This match was mentally challenging as it determined the medal outcome. Every match was a battle and all our opponents were tough ” said SZOCS.
Mixed Doubles Gold Medal Match
Nandor ECSEKI and Dora MADARASZ of Hungary (7) – QIU Dang Nina MITTELHAM of Germany (4) 0-3 (9-11 6-11 11-13)
Mixed Doubles Bronze Medal Match
Ovidiu IONESCU and Bernadette SZOCS of Romania (1) – Alvaro ROBLES Maria XIAO of Spain (2) 3-1 (11-6 11-8 9-11 11-9)
